Smith almost ready to make decision

SCOTT EKLUND

01/23/2005

Considering the amount of wide receivers Washington coaches signed in 2003, the wideout position has not been a focus for the Huskies the last two seasons. One wide receiver target that the Huskies have pursued is Bakersfield West WR Brandon Smith and the senior from California was nice enough to sit down with Dawgman.com and discuss how recruiting is going and when his decision will be made.

"I haven't talked to anyone in the last couple days," Smith said.

Smith has stated for the last few weeks that Arizona State and Washington are the two schools competing for his services.

"Both Washington and Arizona State have said the same things to me," Smith continued. "How they are going to treat me and how I can fit into their team."

Washington's recruiting efforts seem to have had an effect on Smith as he was able to list off several positives when asked.

"Facilities are good and their academics are better than ASU's," Smith said. "Coach Willingham and coach Tormey both are nice and have good hearts. The teammates all seemed really cool too."]

The only real negative in Smith's mind seems to be in sync with the rest of the Husky nation.

"They don't have a wide receivers coach or an offensive coordinator," Smith lamented. "Some of the other schools that are recruiting me have brought that up.

"Coach Willingham addressed the situation with me and told me, ‘I will take care of that soon.'"

Smith claims that he doesn't have a leader but that he will be making his decision sometime this week. Expect the UW coaching staff to unload their current arsenal on Bakersfield this week in an attempt to get Brandon's final commitment before signing day.